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As the best-selling author of the Stone Mountain Mystery Series, my goal is to host a blog that shares helpful information about writing, publishing, and promoting books.

After signing a two-book publishing contract with Imajin Booksfor DESCENT and BLAZE, and now that three books in the Stone Mountain series are published, I understand how much there is to learn about the business of writing and selling books.

When I began writing my novels, I loved reading blogs about the writing process, about how to write, about how to publish, and about anything else to do with writing. And I still do. Now it’s time to return the favour. Over the next few months (or years), I’ll blog about the publishing and book promoting experience. I’ll do my best to share what I learn.

Don Graves. Canadian Mystery Reviews said: Descent is the first in a series of Stone Mountain mysteries. It’s an action packed story. Testosterone, stress, dangerous corners and pain lead to murder on the slopes of this remote ski resort. Kalin Thompson, head of security is ordered to investigate by her boss. A growing list of suspects leads Kalin to wonder if the dead Olympic calibre skier got what he deserved. Descent, a mystery that keeps you riding the lift for one last read and the killer’s identity.

Early Praise for BLAZE:

“Filled with entertaining characters and as fast-paced as the conflagration that gives Blaze its title.” —Joan Barfoot, Scotia Giller Prize and Trillium Book Award shortlisted author

“Evil in a beautiful landscape—Blaze is an inferno of action and tension. ‪Its sizzling plot will keep you guessing until the end.” —Phyllis Smallman, award-winning author of the Sherri Travis murder mysteries

“Kristina Stanley’s latest novel, Blaze, is a fast-paced, hang-on-to-your-seat kind of mystery that will keep you reading until the wee hours of the morning.” —R. J. Harlick, author of the Meg Harris Mysteries

“Gripping action scenes and an engaging heroine make BLAZE a terrific read. Great insight into the risks and dangers of outdoor life by an author who’s been there. The forest fire fighting scenes are especially vivid. Don’t miss this!” —M. H. Callway, Arthur Ellis Finalist, Best First Novel

“Stanley captures the unrelenting brutality of a fire’s ruthless nature. The action and suspense doesn’t end with the blaze.” −Billy Stewart, Professional Firefighter.

“Murder rocks the competitive ski world in Stanley’s layered tale with enough suspects to keep readers guessing until the last chilling chapter.”

Barbara Fradkin: Author of the Inspector Green Mysteries and two-time winner of the Arthur Ellis Award for Best Novel.

“In this impressive debut, Kristina Stanley weaves a vivid, chilling tale of jealousy, secrets, and betrayal in a close-knit mountain ski village. Like its likeable young heroine, Kalin Thompson, DESCENT is both tender and tough.”

WOW! A BEAR!!! I never saw a bear in real life. You certainly are a courageous dog. You are very alert too. My human said I would probably Bark it too death if I saw it. ( I guess she thinks that’s funny)

So far, what I have read from these awethors is amazing! Next month I’m going to be leaning more in the horror and thriller side of it. Hopefully you can find a gem once I get the series on its feet. Thanks for reading and I’m definitely going to purchase some of your books soon.

Kristina,
We have met briefly in Pano though my IT brother in law (Paul), I have been working year round here for 7 years. I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed Descent as I could relate to everything aspect you wrote about, from mountain life (as I live on mountain), to the PFD (as I am a member), to the ski racer aspects (as I am the catering and GH manager). It kept me glued to each page and I cant wait to get my hands on Blaze. I foresee your series anchoring a permanent section on my bookshelf.
Thank you!
Warmest regards – Rob

Rob, what a fabulous comment. It’s very nice of you to take the time to let me know. Can’t wait till my book signing in the Great Hall on December 12th. I’ll be there with Elinor Florence and Julie MacDonald – two other local authors. Panorama rocks – such great support of local artists.

Glad you enjoyed our six word stories own Morgen Bailey’s blog.
Yours is very impressive, looks great! What with sailing, skiing and dogs how on earth do you find time to write?
It’s lovely to hear things are going well for you in the publishing world. Last summer I went to the international book fair in Earls Court, London and whilst wandering around asked various people/publishers what the secret to getting published was. Each of them said that it all came down to luck. The general feedback was, “You can have the best story in the world, written perfectly and with everything required to keep the reader interested, but if you don’t get the lucky break it’s just not going to happen.”
I’d be interested in what your thoughts are on that?

Hi Mark, Thank you for the good wishes. I submitted DESCNT to the Crime Writers of Canada Unhanged Arthur Award in 2014 and BLAZE to the Crime Writers’ Association Debut Dagger. Both books were short listed in 2014 for best unpublished crime novel. I believe this is what caused publishers to be interested in my work. I think you can make you own luck – a little bit anyway. My advice to others it to submit your work to competitions that are relevant to your genre and then use the results to find a publisher. I wish you the best in you writing.

Congratulations. I agree with one of your statements above. You make your own luck a little. Those who try the hardest and have some talent tend to do better than those who have a lot of talent and try little.

Hi there! Stopping in from the Get Social event. I’m glad you’re sharing your insight for other authors to learn from. As someone who loves to read and talk about books I think the promotional aspect of your blog would be beneficial to me as well so that I can learn how to better help authors find the right audience for their books. I mainly read romance but I also enjoy memoirs and historical non-fiction as well.

Hi Kristina I was just emailing you to let you know that I am looking forward to hearing from you next week. My book The Hartnetts can be found at Amazon.com as I am not certain how to attach the link and I am on Facebook where I describe myself as the author of The Hartnetts. feel free to have a look at my profile on those two pages